When you think of visiting Israel, you think more of pilgrimages to the Wailing Wall and Mount Sinai than boutique hotels and off-road motorcycle racing. But with the country, now 60 years old, breaking tourism records and shattering the stained-glass ceiling of religious pilgrimage, it is attracting pleasure seekers from all over the world.

"Israel is changing, and for the first time in our history, Israel has even become trendy," said Oren Drori, head of marketing administration for the Ministry of Tourism Israel, during a recent visit to Toronto. "It's a regular, normal destination, and tourism only continues to grow."

Attracting more than three million visitors each year, with 75,000 tourists going from Canada for an average of 10 days, Israel is positioning itself as a cultural destination to rival Italy and France.

In other words, these days, Israel is feeling more like a holiday and less like a religion class.

With this in mind, we asked Oded Grofman, the consulate director for Canada and former resident of Tel Aviv, to offer suggestions for five trips that would appeal to different types of travellers. Herewith, his recommendations:

THE FAMILY VACATION

Eilat, on the southernmost tip of the Red Sea and a 45-minute flight from Tel Aviv, is known for its scuba diving, King City amusement park and the underwater observatory at Dolphin Reef. Children will enjoy What's Up Observatory (972-54-4389037), an astral tour of the constellations high up over the desert, while their parents take in the Turkish bath and indoor mall at the Dan Eilat Hotel (972-8-6362222). There are many activities, such as off-road Segway riding and jeep safaris, that can be arranged through the resort, but no trip to Eilat is complete without diving in its crystal-clear waters. With more than 20 dive sites and 10 dive centres, Eilat attracts people from all over the world who want to swim through the caves 500 metres north of the Egyptian border or splash with the dolphins at the legendary Dolphin Beach (972-800-203039).

THE FIVE-STAR TRIP

Whenever Tel Aviv plays host to presidents and dignitaries, VIPs check in at the David Intercontinental (972-3-7951111), a 555-room mega-hotel with Italian marble in the bathroom and a panoramic view of the Mediterranean. Boasting many art galleries (including Chelouch Contemporary, hosting Gideon Gechtman's edgy "Launching Apparatus" through Nov. 1), three-star Michelin restaurants and boutique shopping at Gucci and Chanel, Tel Aviv is a destination for those who want luxury. The newest stars on this scene are Montefure (972-2-6221111), a boutique hotel more South Beach than synagogue, and Rafael (972-3-5226464), the restaurant in the Dan Hotel (which recently finished a US$20-million renovation). Rafi Cohen is the city's most famous celebrity chef, which might explain why things are most humming after 10 p. m.

WINE-LOVERS TOUR

In 2006, a vintner published The Wine Route of Israel in an effort to draw attention to the 25 large wineries and 100 smaller boutiques situated between the Upper Galilee in the north and the Mitzpeh Ramon in the south. Odem Mountain Winery (972-04-6871122) is a family business located 1,000 metres above sea level in an oak forest that produces 30,000 bottles of merlot, cabernet and organic blends every year. Carmel's Zichron Ya'acov Wine Cellars (972-04-6290977) is the largest in Israel, with 115-year-old cellars situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The winery, founded by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1887, is famous throughout the Middle East for its cabernet sauvignon. But no true oenophile can leave Israel without swilling the kosher wine at Meron Vineyards (972-4-6868740), the country's first boutique winery in the city of Sefad. Producing 60,000 bottles annually, this vineyard in the Upper Galilee routinely scores the country's highest marks for a fruity, tea-tinged merlot that has been favourably compared with French Bordeaux. For more oenophile investigations, see www.finewinesofisrael.com.

THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

White-water rafting in the Jordan River is an adventurous way to experience Israel's Galilee and Golan regions in the north (Sde Nehemya, 972-4-6946010). Situated just beneath Syria and Jordan, the green and mountainous area is also ideally suited to horseback riding and rappelling off Mount Hermon, the second-highest mountain in Israel. Skiers will want to shred Mount Hermon Reserve (04-6981337), the only slopes in the country, and bicyclists of all skill levels will love Israel, currently going through a biking renaissance with bike shops experiencing a 20% growth in sales. There's a famous 120 km bike path between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and tourists will definitely want to take advantage of the country's new bike rental program. However, for those who prefer their two wheels to come equipped with an engine, a quick e-mail to the Israel Motorcycle Club (www.motorcycle.org. il/) will lead thrill-seekers to monthly off-roading races and rides.

THE SPA HOLIDAY

Outside Haifa, on 15-acres of private woodlands in the Haifa forest, is the Carmel Forest Spa (972-4-8307888), the largest and most luxurious in a country known for its meditative soaps and natural healing ointments. At Carmel, guests must leave their cellphones at the gate and are given a linen wardrobe for the week. Crammed with walking paths, spa treatments and pools, Carmel has been tempting tourists away from the world-famous Dead Sea, the lowest point (and most famous natural spa) on Earth. But as good as Carmel is, we know you're still going to exfoliate in the Dead Sea. Once there, kick back either at the Novotel Thalassa Dead Sea (972-8-9553333), which features mineral water pools and a solarium, or try the mud treatments and yoga classes at the Lot Spa Hotel (972-8-6689200), whose name gives away its delicious intent.

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